GREY HIGHLANDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEETING MINUTES

Thursday, April 18, 7pm Markdale Library

ATTENDING: Tom Allwood, Karen Burtatynski, Kate FitzPatrick, Ron Gillespie, Jim Halliday, Don Kopplin (joined at 7:10pm), Darrin Patey, Michelle Patey, Pam Petch, Susan Smith

** Prior to the meeting, it had been determined that Acting Vice-President Michelle Patey would chair the meeting in this planned absence of President Stewart Halliday. **

HEADING DETAIL ACTION/WHO RESPONSIBLE

CALL TO ORDER Chair opened the meeting at 7:03pm. Quorum was achieved. APPROVE AGENDA Agenda was reviewed. MOTION: Moved by Tom Allwood, seconded by Jim Halliday, that the agenda for the

meeting be accepted as presented. All in favour. Carried.

ADOPTION OF PAST MINUTES

The March 21, 2019 minutes were reviewed. All motions and actions were reviewed and approved by the board. There were no errors or omissions noted. The minutes were approved on motion.

MOTION: Moved by Ron Gillespie, seconded by Jim Halliday, that the minutes of the meeting held March 21, 2019 be approved as presented. All in favour.

Carried.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM PAST MINUTES

None.

CORRESPONDENCE Beavercrest Community School: The Chamber has been asked to sponsor and award a student at graduation as we have done in the past. The Board hereby “voluntolds” Stewart Halliday.

Proxy form for OCC AGM: We have received this year’s proxy form for the AGM to be held in Huntsville. More info to come.

Board of Directors Group Insurance Plan. Merchant Machine rep declined Kate FitzPatrick’s invitation to demo

the new handset at the Home Show.

Kate to inform Stewart. Kate to collect and share any additional information on OCC AGM.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT (Stewart Halliday)

Absent.

VICE-PRESIDENT’S REPORT (Michelle Patey)

The Municipality would like its organizations to track their volunteer hours at an appropriate dollar value.

Michelle will discuss with CDAC Liaison Councillor Cathy Little.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Attached. Tom Allwood gave the report. Jim Halliday asked if it would be beneficial for Board Members to receive the financials for review prior to the meeting. Tom will endeavour to do so when a significant change has taken place and when possible.

Tom to provide financials to Board prior to meeting if and when it makes sense to.

MOTION: Moved by Jim Halliday, seconded by Don Kopplin, that the Treasurer’s Report be adopted as presented. All in favour.

Carried.

MUNICIPAL LIAISON’S REPORT (Councillor Allwood)

Attached. Tom Allwood gave his report, largely consisting of a discussion of our MOU with the Municipality.

MOU discussion tabled for next meeting.

MOTION: Moved by Don Kopplin, seconded by Jim Halliday, that these reports be received into Chamber records. All in favour.

Carried.

OFFICE REPORT (Kate FitzPatrick)

AGM: Flesherton Kinplex booked for October 24. Santa Claus parade: Road barriers booked. Gas for a Year: Lottery licence received. Banner being prepared – 6’.

Tickets ready to be printed. Summer Student: Grant approved. Kate FitzPatrick will reach out to last

year’s student to check interest in returning. Home Show: Organizing our vendor booth and the vendors’ lounge.

Pam Petch mentioned an online volunteer list; members could then be sent alerts as needs arose.

Tom Allwood would like to confirm the Chamber’s business number, and track the correct “paperwork”. Karen Buratynski offered to assist. [Did # change when Markdale Chamber became Grey Highlands Chamber?]

Tom Allwood mentioned that the Chamber must now start paying WSIB.

Kate to reach out to student. All to consider projects for student. Kate organizing volunteers. Kate to price pens. Board to search for an online website we could use for volunteers. Tom and Karen to identify business #.

FINANCE COMMITTEE’S REPORT

None.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE’S REPORT (Chair Jim Halliday)

Committee remains committed to further research into opportunities to bring attainable housing to the region.

Tourism is also a big focus. Jim Halliday is moving forward on recommendation to Grey County that

County Road 13 to Thornbury be renamed the Beaver Valley Parkway. Darrin Patey has designed an over-the road gateway that could be placed at both ends of the Parkway and Jim now has the artwork.

EVENT COMMITTEE’S REPORT (Chair Karen Buratynski)

Karen Buratynski said the Event Committee met during the month. She then presented her report of survey findings. Thanks, Karen! Attached. Michelle Patey drew the winning name from all survey respondents and Bayshore Broadcasting was the winner of a 2020 Chamber membership. Karen to notify Bayshore.

Karen to move forward with organizing sessions.

MOTION: Moved by Susan Smith, seconded by Pam Petch, that the report be received into Chamber records. All in favour.

Carried.

COMMUNICATION COMMITTEE’S REPORT (Chair Michelle Patey)

Newspaper Column: The next Chamber Chatter columns have appeared in the Advance. Michelle Patey will write the next one about the survey results, draw winner, and upcoming Home Show.

Flyer for Home Show: Michelle Patey is preparing a marketing piece – why join the Chamber – in time for the Home Show.

Communications Plan: Michelle Patey will devise a communications plan. Members would like to have a regular newsletter.

Stewart and Michelle will proceed with the next column. Michelle to write document. Michelle to plan.

BUSINESS DEVT. COMMITTEE’S REPORT (Chair TBD)

None.

OTHER BUSINESS Board Members expressed concern about the multi-year construction near the southwest corner of Markdale and possible “beautification”. Upon his return, Stewart Halliday will be asked to speak to the Municipality about options.

Michelle to speak with Stewart.

NEXT MEETING Thursday, May 16, 2019, 7pm, Markdale Library. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned by consensus at 9:10pm.